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UNSEEN JAPAN

Day: August 22, 2025

Picture of a TV in a living room with the NHK logo, Tachibana Takashi, and a request for payment slip

Japan’s Anti-NHK Party Won’t Help Voters Who Didn’t Pay NHK Fees

A politician told his followers they didn't have to pay Japan's national broadcaster fee. He was wrong. Now, his supporters owe big.
The crew of the Lupin III kabuki in resplendent kimono.

We Saw the Lupin III Kabuki, and So Should You!

The beloved and long-lived Lupin III anime series has an excellent kabuki adaptation running at the Minami-za in Kyoto. Read our review to learn more!
A bear in Shiretoko

Tourists Feeding Bears in Japan Has Deadly Consequences

A sad story from Hokkaido illustrates how tourist behavior altered the disposition of a bear that came to view humans as food.
Pha That Luang, Laos

Child Sex Tourism to Laos from Japan Booms, Driven By Social Media

Japanese men are flocking to Laos to participate in the heinous practice. Some who live in Laos are even conducting tours.
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower

[Insider] Plastic Japan: Why Kabukicho Tower Is Empty – But Still Makes Money

Kabukicho Tower is plastic, gaudy, and largely a bust as a tourist attraction. But none of that matters to its owner.
First vs. 118th - Iceland and Japan

1st vs. 118th: On Gender Equality, Japan and Iceland Took Different Roads

The Emperor of Japan asked Iceland's president a very good question recently: Why is your gender gap so much smaller than ours?

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